Pasco Tax Collector’s Office Raises $7,100 For Special Olympics

PASCO COUNTY, FL — Special Olympics of Pasco was the featured charitable giving organization at the Pasco County Tax Collector’s Office in April, during which $7,100 was raised.

Special Olympics of Pasco is a free sports and training program for people with intellectual disabilities. In Pasco, 1,500 students participate in Special Olympics, training in almost two dozen different sports.

Funds raised last year helped the Pasco team attend the 2022 National Special Olympics USA Games in Orlando earlier in June where the Pasco County flag football team, the Dolphins, won gold.

Additionally, two Pasco athletes medaled in swimming and the triathlon. Andrew Ahearn won bronze in swimming and the triathlon and Walter Fischer won gold and two bronze medals in relay-swimming events.

A total of $7,100 was raised to benefit Special Olympics of Pasco during this charitable-giving drive.

“Special Olympics of Pasco County would like to thank the Mike Fasano Tax Collector Offices for their donation,” said John Yerke, Special Olympics leadership coordinator. “These funds will help spread the word about acceptance and inclusion across Pasco County.”

“Special Olympics of Pasco has long held a special place in my heart,” said Fasano. “I’m proud that our staff and our community supports this organization that helps bring purpose to so many lives. The athletes and the volunteers who work with them are some of the kindest, most positive people I have ever met. So many of the athletes have intellectual challenges that make life difficult. To see the joy on the face of an athlete as they cross the finish line is indescribable. Special Olympics of Pasco provides a respite from the difficulties many deal with daily. It also provides a place to be with others who also aspire to do their very best.”

For more details on the tax collector's charitable giving program, contact Greg Giordano, assistant tax collector, at 727-847-8179.